Switch



W. O. HAMPTON ET AL SWITCH Filed se i. 27, 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet772/4977/5155 Mela/071 a flaw 2% Ermine I mum 2.50

April 30, 1929. w. o. HAMPTON ET AL 1,711,229

SWITCH Filed Sept. 27, 1926 6 5116612841166! 2 Q3 Inventors? Weldon 0Hampion&

Ermine J Thompson A1315 ys 30, 1929- w. o. HAMPTON ET AL f hfiw swrr'cn'Filed Sept. 27, 1926 e sneew smm Ermine J Thox npsma A ril 30, 1929. w.o. HAMPTON ET AL- 1,711,229

.. swncn Filed Sept. 27, 1926 s Sheets-Sheet 4 MMIH W April 50, 1929.

" W50. HAMPTON ET'AL' SWITCH s Sheets-sheaf 5 Filed Sept. 27, 1926Patented Apr. 30, 1929.

UNITED STATES WELDON O. HAMPTON AND ERMINE J. THOMPSON, OF CHICAGO,ILLINOIS, ASSIGNORS 1,711,229 PATENT OFFICE.

TO THE DELTA-STAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATIONOF ILLINOIS.

SWITCH.

Application filed September 27, 1926. Serial No. 137,930.

Our invention relates to electrical switch mechanism and morepartlcularly to a class of switches of our invention which we prefer-.

ably term horizontal-vertical switches.

In recent times the transmission of power having high voltages hasbecome a reality and engineers are contantly striving to meet andimprove the condition surrounding the use of high voltage transmissionlines. Obviously, the increase in voltages necessitated that thedimensions and striking distances of the switch parts keep pacetherewith. Thls is particularly true of disconnect switches which areusually associated with the power lines in exposed condition.

Now in three-phase power lines, the disconnect switches are associatedtherewith in multiple or in banks of three switches, one for each line.It has been the practice in opcrating switches, especially those of therota-ry insulator type, to move the switch blade of each switch insubstantially one plane,

either a horizontal or avertical plane as thecase may be. lVhen theswitch is in an opened condition, its blade will naturally be in aproximate position to the termlnals of the adjacent switch. Then, too,in a disconnect switch it is necessary to move the blade to a positionat least as distant from the fixed terminal as the end of the pivotterminal associated with the blade.

In order to make this possible in a bank of three switches of the rotaryinsulator type, the central switch is usually separated on each sidefrom the adjacent switches by a distance great enough to accommodate thefull length of the switch blade. lhis results in such switches occupyingconsiderable space and necessitating a relatively large mounting foreach bank of three disconnect switches which is not a desirable featurein the switch art.

\Vc propose torcmedy the above undesirable condition by providing aswitch of the rotary insulator type wherein the blade is adapted to beswung from one plane to another, such, for example,'as from ahorizon talplane to a vertical plane. In our novel switch construction the blade ismounted in such a manner upon the hinge terminal that it is adapted whenactuated to be swung from a plane parallel to the base to a planesubstantially at right angles thereto. It will be evident that in a bankof switches embodyingl'he features of our invention, the switches may bepositioned closer together, thereby reducing the size of mountingnecessary for the bank of switches and thus resulting in economy as faras space is concerned.

In accordance with the features of our invention, we provide a switchwherein the blade is mounted in such a manner upon a rotary insulatorthat upon motion being 'imparted to the insulator the blade will beswung in an arcuate path from a plane parallel to the base of the switchto a plane at substantially right angles thereto. Moreover, when theblade is in an opened position, it will extend outwardly from the rotaryinsulator and hence will be farther from the fixed terminal than theterminal associated with the top of the. rotary insulator.

We also propose to provide improved operating mechanism for the rotaryinsulator as well as an improved non-freezable support therefor, both ofour invention. Incidental- 1y, we contemplate the provision ofselfaligning contacts adapted to cooperate with the switch blade in sucha manner as to insure a good electrical connection therebetween.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will more fullyappear from the following detailed description taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings which illustrate several embodiments thereofand in which Fig. 1 is an elevation of a combination choke coil mountingand switch embodying the features of our invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View of the bevel gearmechanism for revolving the slanting insulator illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view partly in section taken on the line 3--3 of Fig. 2,looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view partly in section of the mounting on the topof the slant- Fig. 8 is an elevation of a third modification of ournovel switch;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged plan view of the terminal or contact clip of theswitch shown in Fig. 8;

ig. 10 is an enlarged view partly in section taken on the line 1010 ofFig. 8, lookin in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged View of the switch arm shown in Fig. 8illustrating the'selfaligning contact blocks carried thereby;

Fig. 12 is another view of the arm illustrated in Fig. 11 showing moreclearly the mounting of the blocks Fig. 13 is an elevation of stillanother modification of switch embodying the features of our invention;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged plan view of the self-aligning contact blockterminal shown in'Fig. 1-3;

Fig. 15' is another enlarged view of the same stationary terminal asillustrated in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is an enlarged plan View of the mounting of the switch bladeillustrated in Fig. 13; and

Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken on the line 17-17 of Fig. 16,illustrating the bevel gear mechanism for actuating the switch blade.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, in which like referencenumerals designate similar parts throughout the several views, and moreparticularly to Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, 20 denotes a channel beamsupport upon which our novel switch mechanism is mounted. Mounted uponthis support 20 are a pair of spaced vertical or upright insulators 21and 22 which may be of any suitable or usual construction. Theseinsulators may be attached to the support in any conventional manner,such for example, as by bolts 23. Also mounted upon the support 20 is aslanting insulator 24 which is spaced a predetermined distance from theVertical insulator 22.

-The slanting insulator 24 may also be of any usual or conventionalconstruction.

Mounted upon the top of the spaced insulators 21 and 22 (Fig. 1) andsuitably attached thereto, is a choke coil 25. One end of this chokecoil is bolted to the top of the insulator 21, and the other end of thecoil is bolted or attached in any other desirable manner to the free endof the insulator 22. Attached to the insulator 21 and connected to thecorresponding end of the choke coil 25, is a terminal-lug 26 to whichone end 27 of an electrical power line is connected. The end 27 of thepower line is preferably attached to a clip 28 which is in turn fastenedto the lug 26. The end 27 of the power line may be attached to the clip27 by means of U-shaped bolts 29.

The choke coil 25 comprises a plurality of turns of wire 30 which aresuitably spaced and carried by a plurality of reenforcing bars 31. Ofcourse It is to be understood that any other usual or conventional formof choke coil may be disposed intermediate the insulators 21 and 22.

Mounted upon the top of the insulator 22 is also a contact terminalwhich is electrically connected to one end of the choke coil 25. We haveindicated this contact terminal generally by the reference numeral 32.Associated with this contact terminal 32 is an arcing horn 33 which isof usual construction. We shall now proceed to describe in detail themechanism associated with the slanting insulator 24.

As best shown in Fig. 2 the lower end of the slanting insulator 24 isequipped with a flange portion 35 which is attached to a flange portion36 of a shaft 37. The two flanges 35.

and 36 may be secured to each other by bolts and nuts 38 which enablethe ready separation ofthecooperating parts. The shaft 37 extendsthrough a casing or housing 40 which. is equipped with flanges 41disposed parallel to the top of the channel beam 20. The top of thechannel beam 20 is provided with a circular aperture or opening 42through which extends a tubular member 43 equipped with a'flange 44positioned on top of the channel beam 20 immediately below the flange41of the casing or housing 40. The flanges 41 and 44 are secured togetherby means of bolts and nuts 45.

Referring now again to the shaft 37 it will be noted that the upperportion of this shaft extends through an opening 46 in the casing orhousing 40. The opening 46 is partially defined by a flared or bevelededge 47. That is to say, the opening 46 in reality communicates with aflared orifice. The upper part of the shaft 37 is provided with anannular or ring-like depression 48 between which and the beveled edge 47are a plurality of balls 50. These balls 50 serve both asanti-frictional elements and anti-freezing elements. Then, too, theseballs serve to grind away any corrosion that may accumulate between theupper end of the shaft 37 and the casing 40, as will become more obvioushereinafter.

Thelower end of the shaft 37 extends through a flared opening 51 in thelower part of the casing 40. The lower end of the shaft 37 extendingthrough the flared opening 51 is reduced as indicated at 52. Mounted onthis reduced portion 52 is a ring-like or washer element 53 held inplace by a cast-ellated'nut 54 threaded on the external end of the shaft37. The castellated nut 54 may be held from turning in the usual mannerby a cotter pin 55. Disposed intermediate the beveledaedge defining theflared orifice 51 and the reduced portion 52 are a plurality ofanti-frictional balls 56 which serve in the same capacity as the balls51 previously described. These anti-frictional balls 56 serve as anideal anti-frictional bearing for the,

. material and constitutes a race for the balls 56. \Ve desire itunderstood that although the balls incidentally serve as anti-frictionalelements they also serve to grind and wear away any corrosive matter andsleet that may accumulate in the support for the shaft 37.

The lower end of the bore 60 is flared in order to provide a bevelededge 65 which constitutes one race of a ball bearing unit. Mounted onthe shaft 61 and associated with the race 66 is an annular or ring-likebearing member 63 which constitutes the other race of the lower ballbearing unit. Positioned intermediate the race 63 and the race 66 are aplurality of anti-frictional elements or balls 68 which are adapted tomove around the shaft 61. The ring member 63 is held in place by a nut70. The nut 70 is locked in position by a castellated nut 71 mounted onthe shaft 61 and prevented from turning by a cotter pin 72 extendingthrough the shaft in a well known manner. The lower end of the shaft 61is provided with a polygonal shaped portion 75 to which a suitablehandle (not shown) may be clamped for actuating the shaft.

Keyed to the top end of the shaft 61 is a bevel gear 76 which abuts theshoulder 62. The bevel gear 76 is adapted to mesh with a bevel gear 77keyed to the shaft 37. We preferably employ a Voodrufl' key forattaching the gear 77 to the shaft 37. \Ve have indicated this Voodrufi'key in Figs. 2 and 3 by the reference numeral 78.

It is evident from the illustratiOn in Fig. 2 that upon turning theshaft 61 a rotary motion will be imparted to the slanting insulator 24through the meshing bevel gears 76 and 77. Also, it is believed evidentfrom the detailed description that the parts going to make up the drivefrom the insulator 24, may be readily disassembled for purposes ofrepair or replacement. The gears and the ball bearing units may besuitably lubricated by any suitable or conventional lubrication. Vi epreferal'ily providethe casing 40 with a grease gun fitting 79 by meansof which grease may be forced into the casing to lubricate the gears andball bearings.

\Ve shall now proceed to describe the inanrer in which the switch blade80 is mounted upon the top of the slanting insulator 24. The switchblade 80 has a free end 81 which is adapted to cooperate with theterminal 32.

born 82 for cooperation with the arcing horn 33. It should be noted thatthe switch blade 80 is tubular in shape and at its end 81 issubstantially flattened. Also, we desire it understood that the contactterminal 32 may comprise a plurality of self-aligning contact blocks,such as those illustrated in Figs. 14

and 15, whichare to be described hereinafter.

Attached to the top of the slanting insu-' lator 24 (Fig. .1) is a clip85 to which is fastened a terminal lug 86 secured to an end of 'anelectrical line 87. The end of the line 87 may be attached to the clip85 by means of U-bolts 88. The end 89 of theswitch blade 80 is attachedto the insulator 24 and is connected to the clip 85.

Referring to Fig. 4 it will be observed that the clip 85 bent into anangular formation and has integral therewith a hollow circular portion90. The. hollow circular portion 90 includes a clamping plate 91 securedto the clip 85 by means of a plurality of bolts 92 threaded throughflanges 93 integral with the clamping member 91 and into flanges93-intcgral with the clip 85. The-clip. or arm 85. is mountedaroundatubular member 98 secured to the top of the insulator 24. Formedin the periphery of this tuluilar'men'iber 98 1s a groove 99 adapted tocooperate with an annular groove 100 in the circular portion 90.Disposed intermediate the two annular grooves 99 and 100 are a pluralityof balls 101 which permit ofthe moving of the tubular member within thecircular portion 90 of the clip or arm 85. That is to say, the clip orarm 85 is normally maintained stationary through its attachment to thepower line 87. On the otherhand, the tubular member 98 is adapted torotate with the insulator 24. This rotation is permitted due to theballs 101 which provide an antifrictional bearing for the tubular member98. I 'In order to prevent a movement between the tubular member 98 andthe insulator 24, we preferably connect the two, by a plurality of dowelpins 103. Theupper end of the tubular member 98 is enlarged to formahead piece 104 upon which is mounted a circular member 105. Thecircular member 105 is connected to the head piece 104 by a plurality ofdowel pins 106. Also extending through the member 105. the tubularmember 98 and threaded into the top of the insulator 24, is the shank107 of a bolt 109. This bolt 109 serves to rigidly attach the tubularmember to the insulator 24. Secured to the circular member 105 by bolts110 is a circular part 111 from which extends a projection 112. The freeend of the projection 112 is secured to the switch blade 80 by aplurality of bolts and nuts- 113.

1*urthermore, as illustrated in Fig. 4-, the terminal lug 96. as well asthe arm or clip 85 have secured thereto an end 114 of an electricalconductor 115. The other end of i this electrical conductor 115 isfastened to the projection 112, thus establishing a direct electricalpath between the conductor 87 and the blade 80. That is to say, theelectrical current is by-passed, so to speak, around the end of theinsulator 24 and tubular member 98 directly to the switchblade80. Thisassures a good electrical connection between the blade and the conductor87.

The operation of the switch arm 80 is, briefly, as follows :-Upon turninthe shaft 61, the insulator 24 through the bevel gears 76 and 77 will becaused to be revolved. The end 81 of the switch blade 80 will ereupon bemoved out of engagement with t e terminal 32. Also, inasmuch as theblade 80 is disposed in a horizontal p1ane,and,since the slantinginsulator is positioned at an angle with respect to the plane of theblade 80, the revolving of the insulator 24 will cause the blade 80.tobe moved from a horizontal plane into the vertical plane. By verticalplane we mean substantially vertical. We have illustrated'by dottedlines (Fig. 1) the position to which the blade 80 will be moved upon theoperation of the insulator 24. It will be evident from'the illustrationin Fig. 1 that the blade 80 is moved out of striking I distance withrespect to the terminal 32 and yet, at the same time, is not moved in ahorizontal plane. This feature is a highly advantageous one, since itenables a plurality of such switches to be positioned closer togetherthan has been possible heretofore. This is particularly true ofthree-phase lines where it is the usual practice to employ threedisconnect switches, one for each line.

The aforesaid movement of the swltch blade 80 may be also referred to asa horizontal-vertical movement, inasmuch as the blade is initially movedfrom a substantially horizontal plane into a substantially verticallane. Thls movement of the blade also enables the blade to be moved awayfrom the terminal without interfering in any way whatsoever with theadjacent switches or their switch blades. It will also be ev1dent fromthe disclosure in Fig. 1 that this movement is accomplished by disposingthe 1nsulator therefor in an inclined position and attaching the bladethereto at an angle other than a 90 degree angle with respect to theplane of the axis of the slanting insulator.

In Figs. 6 and 7 we have illustrated another modification of ourinvention. In this form of the invention 125 designates generally achannel base upon which is mounted a pair of slanting in'sulators 126and 127. The insulator 126 is mounted ,upon a bracket 128 carried by thebeam 125. Mounted upon and secured to the top of the insulator 126 is abracket 129 which carries a contact terminal designated generally by thereference character 134. Associated with the contact termi- 119.1 134 isan arcing horn 135 which extends upwardly therefrom. Secured to theterminal 134 is a terminal strip 130 upon which is fastened a conductorlug 131 associated with an electrical line 132. The line 132 is alsosecured to the strip 130 by means of a pair of U-shaped bolts 133.

The lower end of the insulator 127 is equipped with a shaft 141 which'isjournaled in a casing designated generally by the reference numeral 140.Positioned within the casing 140 and splined to the shaft 141 is a smallspur gear 142 at all times meshing with a spur gear 143 also mountedwithin the casing 140. The casing or housing 140 is bolted to a base 144secured to the beam 125. The gear 143 is adapted to be rotated by alever 145 suitably connected thereto. Obviously, by turning the lever145 the insulator 127 through the gears 143 and 142 will be revolvedfSecured to the top of the insulator 127 by bolts 147 is a tubular toppiece 146, the upper end of which is equipped with an annular flange148. The flange 148 is secured to a flange 149 of a switch blade 150 bymeans of bolts and nuts 151. comprises a-tubular portion 152, one end ofwhich is'mounted in an extension 153 from the flan e 149. The tubularportion 152 is fastene to the extension 153 by means of bolts and nuts154. The free end of the switch blade 150 is preferably flattened, asindicated at 155. This flattened end of the switch blade is adapted tocooperate with the terminal 134 carried by the insulator 127.

Also the free end of the switch blade 150 is equipped with an arcinghorn 156 for cooperation with the arcing horn 135 associated with theterminal 134.

Associated with the tubular top piece 146 intermediate its ends is aclip 160 to which is fastened a terminal lug 166 secured to an end of anelectrical line 167. The line 167 is preferably secured to a terminalstrip 168 by means of U-shaped bolts 168 The clip 160 is equipped with ahollow or tubular portion 170 which is substantially of the sameconstruction as the clip illustrated'in Fig. 4. Positioned intermediatethe periphery of the top piece 146 and the tubular portion 17 0 are aplurality of balls or amt-ifrictional elements 17 4. These balls 174enable the tubular top piece 146 to rotate inside of the hollow end ofthe clip 160. In other words, the clip 160 is at all times maintainedstationary, due to the fact that it is connected to the end of the powerline 167.

The operation of this modification of our invention is substantially thesame as that described in connection with the first modification of ourinvention. Obviously, upon the turning of the insulator 127 the switchblade or switch arm 150 will be moved from a horizontal plane to avertical plane. Also, the blade may be moved from a vertical plane tothe horizontal plane wherein it assumes its closed position.

In Figs. 8 to 12, inclusive, we have illustrated a third modification ofour invention. In this form of the invention, 175 designates generally asupporting beam for a pair of spaced insulators 176 and'177. Theinsulator 176 is disposed in a vertical position and the insulator 177is disposed in a slanting position. The lower end of the insulator 176is fastened to a support 178 secured to the beam 17 5. Secured to thetop of the insulator 176 is an angular member 179 to which is secured anangular contact terminal 180, the contact terminal 180 is preferablysecured to the angular member 179 by means of a bolt and nut 179, bestillustrated in Fig. 10. Suitably attached to the angular member 179 is alug 181 connected to an end of a transmission line 182. Associated with'the contact terminal 180 is a shield 183 and an arcing horn 184. Thearcing horn and the shield (Figs. 9 and 10) are secured to the verticalpart of the angular member 179 by means of a clamping plate 186 securedthereto by bolts and nuts 187. This clamping plate 186, as best shown inFig. 9, has an arcuate shaped groove 188 for accommodating the lowerportion of the arcing horn 184. The shield 183 extends over the contactterminal 180 and protects the same from the natural elements. One sideof the shield 183 is opened to permit of the entry of the end of theswitch blade to be described hereinafter. The switchblade is adapted tocooperate with the part 190 of the contact terminal 180 to establish anelectrical connection between two lines. The part 190 of the terminal180 is disposed in substantially a horizontal plane immediately underthe shield 183.

The lower end of the insulator 177 has formed integral therewith a shaft200 journa led in a member 201 fastened to a base element 202 secured tothe beam 175. The shaft 200 is adapted to berotated by means of a leverarm 203. It will be evident that by turning the lever arm 203 theslantin'g insulator 177 will be revolved. Associated with the top of theinsulator 177 is a mounting designated generally by the referencenumeral 205 for a switch blade 206. This mounting 205 is substantiallythe same as the mounting employed-in the previously describedmodification of our invention. Therefore, it is believed that it willnot be necessary to give a detailed description of this mounting.Connected to this mounting 205 is an end of an electrical line 208. Thisline is carried upon a clip 209 in the same manner usgin our previousmodification. \Ve shall now describe in detail the construction of ournovel switch arm 206 as best illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12.

The switch blade 206 has fastened to it intermediate its ends, anadjustable arcing horn conductors 215 connected to a pair of contactblocks 216. The conductors 215 and the spring elements 214 are securedto the end of the blade 206 by means of a pair of clamping. plates 217and a pair of bolts and nuts 218. The blocks 216 are disposed oppositeeach other and are adapted to engage opposite sides of the portion 190of the contact terminal 180 associated with the stationary insulator176. The blocks 216 are maintained in position by the free ends of thespring elements 214 which cooperate with the outer faces of the blocks.Each of the spring elements 214 is furnished with a pair of apertures219 and 220 for receiving projections 221 and 222, res ectively, whichare integral with one of the b ocks 21 6.

I The projections 221 and 222 associated with each block 216 constitutesthe sole support for the block. That is to say, these projectionscooperate with the corresponding-openings in '75 spaced elements 214 area pair of electrical the ends of the elements 214 to support the blocks216. form a pivotal support for the blocks, thus permitting them to berocked freely. This feature of pivot-ally supporting the blocks enablesthem to properly engage the portion of the contact terminal adapted toextend therebetween. Obviously, when the switch blade 206 is in itsclosed position, the'portion 190 of the contact terminal will bepositioned intermediate the pair of blocks 216 which will be urged intotight engagement therewith by means of the spring elements 214.

The operation of this form of switch is substantially the same as theoperation of our previously described modification. By actuating thelever 203 the switch blade 206 may be moved from or into engagement withthe contact terminal 180. In this construction, however, the contactterminal blocks are associated with the movable switch arm 206 insteadof with the contact terminal 180. These blocks serve to insure a goodelectrical connection. between the portion 190 of the terminal 180 andthe switch blade.

In Figs. 13 to 17, inclusive, we have illustrated stillanother'modification of our in vention. The switch as best shown in Fig.3, comprises a supporting beam 230 and-a pair of spaced verticalinsulators 231 and 232. The insulator 232 is attached to a base 233secured to the support 230. Mounted upon the top of the insulator 232 isa contact terminal device designated generally by the reference Theseprojections, in reality,

character 235. This device includes an arcing horn 236. Connected tothis device is an end of an electrical transmission line 237. We shallnow-describe in detail the construction of the device 235, referringmore particularly to Figs. 14 and 15.

The device includes a pair of pivotally mounted contact blocks 240.Connected to each of the blocks is an electrical conductor 241. Theblocks are adapted to cooperate with the switch blade to cstabli sh anelectrical connection. It should be noted at this time that theblocks'are adapted to be spread apart in order to permit of the bladebeing placed intermediate them. Associated with each of the blocks is aresilient elen'ie'nt 242 which has an aperture 243 for accommodating aprojection 244 integral with the outer face of the block. The projection244 cooperates with the element 242 to support the block 240. That is tosay, the sole support for the block is afforded by the resilient element242. The blocks are at all times urged toward each other by the saidpair of resilient elements. Positioned over the blocks 240 is a shield245 for protecting the blocks from the natural elements.

Now the free ends of the electrical conductors 241, which may eachcomprise a substantially flat copper ribbon, are Separated by a terminalpiece 246. The free ends of the'conductors, as well as the associatedend of the terminal piece 246, are all positioned intermediate the endsof the pair of resilient elements 242. Moreover, the conductors 241, theresilient elements 242, and the terminal piece 246, are all fastened tothe top of the insulator 232 by means of a clamping plate 247 and a pairof bolts 248.

The resilient elements 242 are adapted to at all times urge the blocks240 toward each other. Furthermore, when the free end of the switchblade is positioned intermediate the blocks the resilient elements serveto force the blocks into engagement with the switch blade to establish agood electrical connection therebetween. The blocks are-permitted torock freely upon their pivotal mountings and are thus enabled toaccommodate themselves with facility to the surface of the free ends ofthe switch blades. In other words-,-

the blocks are self-aligning and are thus capable of at all timestightly engaging the switch blades. F astened to the terminal piece 246by bolts 249 is a terminal lug 250 in which the end of the electricalconductor 237 is fastened. I I

The lower end of the insulator 231 is equipped with a shaft portion 251suitably journaled in a base piece 252 fastened to the beam support 230.The shaft portion 251 is equip ed with suitable locking bolts253locate'd elow the beam 230. These bolts maintain the insulator in itsvertical position and prevent the same from tilting. Also, the

lower end of the shaft portion 251 is equipped vertical insulator 255suitably fastened tothe beam 230. "The pair'of insulators 231 and 255cooperate to support a drive device designated generally by thereference character 256. This device, in addition to servingas a meansfor actuating the switch blade designated. generally by the referencecharacter 257, serves as a mounting for the switch blade. \Ve shall nowdescribe in dctail the mounting and drive mechanism 256 which isillustrated in l6 and l7 The construction 256 includes a casing orhousing 258 which is positioned immediately, over the insulator 231. Thehousing 258 has bolted thereto a supportingstrip 259 secured to the topof the insulator 255: Bolted to the housing'258 is a lug 259 of anelectrical transmission line- 260. Positioned inside of the housing 258and disposed in substantially a horizontal plane is a bevel gear'261which is connected to the top of. the insulator 231 by means of aplurality of'dowel pins 262. This bevel gear 261 is at all times in meshwith a bevel gem-263 positioned in a plane disposed at an angle to thatof the gear 261. The casing 258 is provided with an opening 264 in axialalignment with the gear 261. Also the gear 261 is equipped with an axialopening 265 in axial alignment with the opening 264. Positioned in theopenings 264" and 265. is a bearing member 266. This bearing member 266'is providedwith a central aperture 267 through which the shank of a bolt268 extends. The lower end of the bolt 268 is threaded intothe top ofthe insulator 231. Also positioned-intermediate the head of the bolt 268and the casing 258 are a plurality of washers 269'.

The gear 263 is splinedto a shaft 27 O which extends through an opening271 in the casing 258. The upper end of this shaft 270 is providcd witha head portion 272 which has formed integral therewith a socket-likeortion 273 for receiving an end of the SWItCh" angle with respect to theshaft 270. The

angle is substantially greater than a ri ht angle. The socket member 273is prefera ly connected to the head portion 272 by a pair of spaced legs274. The tubular switch blade 257 has an end positioned in the socketmember 273. Secured to this end offtheblade by a telescoping plug 27 5is an end of a copper ribbon conductor 27 8" having its otherxen'dconnected to the=line 260. This conductor 27 8' serves as a means forbyp ss1ng the current around the vhdusing 258 to the switch arm 257.Associated with the headportion 272 is a grease cup-27 8 by means ofwhich a lubrication medium may be PI'OJBCtQd' into the inside of thecasing 258. That is to say,

which serve as anti-frictional elements, Also, I it should be noted thatthe head portion 272' is equipped with an annular flange 282 whichoverlapsthe part of the casing 258 associated with the beveled edge 280.The lower end of the opening 271 is also flared and equipped with abeveled edge 284-; Positioned intermediate the annular beveled edge 284and the 1 gear 263 are a plurality of anti-frictional elements or steelballs 285 which serve as an anti-frictional bearing for the shaft 270.The lower end of the shaft 270 is reduced as indicatedat 286; Thisreduced portion 286 is adapted to have threaded thereon a castellatednut 287. Positioned intermediate the castellated' nut 287 and the gear263 is a thrust washer 288. The castellated nut 287 may be locked inplace by the usual cotter pin 289 which extends through'a suitableaperture in the threaded 270;

It should benoted that the socket member 273 is cutaway, as indicated at290 in order for it to be moved without interfering with portion 286 ofthe shaft the head of the bolt 268. Also, it should be observed that thecasing 258 is provided with a grease cup 291 by means of which lubr1ca-tion may be supplied to the bearing 266;:

' Now, as previously described, the switch blade 257 is attached to thesocket portion 273 by means of the bolts and nuts 275. The free end ofthe switch blade 257 is flattened'as in dicated at 295. This flattenedportion is adapted: tobe moved intermediate the previously describedself-aligning contact blocks 240. Also the blade 257, which ispreferably of a tubular construction, has fastened thereto an arcing-horn.296 for cooperation with the arcinghorn 236 associated-with thestationary insulator 232. l

The operation of thelast modification of our invention above described,is believed to be obvious from the detailed description when taken inconnection with the accompanying illustrations in the drawings. It willbe evident that although. the rotary insulator 231 is disposed in avertical position, a horizontal.- vertical movement. may be impartedvvto the switchblade 257 to move it into or out of engagement with theself-aligning contact block 240. In this form of our invention thehorizontal-vertical movement is accomplished by associating with theupper end of the vertical insulator 231 a bevel gear drive for theswitch blade 257. In order to minimize the stresses and strains imposedupon the insulator 231 by the mounting and driving mechanism 256, wefind it desirable to provide an auxiliary insulator 255 which is adaptedto coperate with the rotary insulat0r231 in supporting the bevel gearmechanism 256. The steel balls 281 and 285 associated with the shaft 270in the bevel gear drive, perform two func tions. One of these functionsis to provide an anti-frictional support for the shaft 270 and the otherfunction is to grind away any corrosive matter that might accumulate atthe bearings of the shaft.

Furthermore, it should be observed thatthe device 256 may bedisassembled with facility for purposes of repair or the replacement ofparts. Although the gear mecha nism is associated with the upper end ofthe rotary msul ator231, the means for actuatingthe insulator 231 isassociated with the base or beam 230. This will result in the entireinsulator-231 being simultaneously actuated withthe blade 257 when it isdesired to move the same into or out of engagement with the cooperatingself-aligning contact blocks 240 of the contact device 235.

Now we desire it understood that although we have described in detailseveral embodiments of our invention, the invention is not to be limitedthereby,.but only in so far as defined by the scope and spirit of theappended claims.

We claim 1. In a switch, the combination of a supporting base, a switchmember mounted upon said base, and having a closed positionsubstantially parallel said base, and means for swinging said switchmember in a conical path laterally and outwardly away from said base toopen the switch and simultaneously increase the striking distancebetween said switch member and the base.

2. In a switch, the combination 0tv a sup-- porting. base, a SWltCh'member'mounted .upon said base, and having a closed positionsubstantially parallel said. base, means for swlnging said switch memberin a conical.

path laterally and outwardly away from said base to open the switch andsimultaneously increase the-strikin distance between said switch memberand t e base, and means contacting with the movable switch member in itsclosed position for completing a circuit therethrough.

3. In a switch, the combination of a supporting base, a switch membermounted upon said base, and having a. closed position subsipating arcsoutwardly from said base.

4. In a switch, the coi'nbination of a supporting base, an insulator onsaid base, a second insulator mounted upon said base and inclined at itsouter end toward said first insulator. a switch member mounted upon saidsecond insulator and swingable in a conical path laterally and outwardlyaway from the base to open the switch and simultaneously increase thestriking distance between said switch member and the base, and meansmounted upon said first insulator and contacting with the movable switchmember in its closed position for completing a circuit therethrough.

5. In a switch, the combination of a supporting base, an insulator onsaid base, a second insulator mounted upon said base and lIlCllIlGdj atits outer end toward said first insulator, a switch member mounted uponsaid second insulator and swin able in a conical path laterally andoutwar ly away from the base to open the switch and simultaneouslyincrease the striking distance between said switch member and the base,means mounted upon said first insulator and contacting with the movableswitch member in its closed "position for completing a circuittherethrough, and arcing horn means associated with said movable switchmember and said last contacting means, and forming an outwardlyincreasing arcing path for dissipating arcs outwardly from said base.

6. In combination, a supporting base, a rotary insulator mounted uponsaid base and inclined thefizto, aswitch member mounted upon the outerend of said rotary insulator and swingable by rotation of said insulatorin a conical path with the apex of said path adjacent the end of theinsulator and the base of said conical path outwardly beyond the end ofthe insulator, said switch member having a closed position substantiallyparallel the base and means contacting with the movable switch member inits closedposition for completing a circuit therethrough.

7 In combination, a supporting base, a rotary insulator mounted uponsaid base and inclined thereto, a switch member mounted upon the outerend ot said rotary insulator and swingable by rota ion of said insulatorin a conical path with the apex of said path adjacent the end of theinsulator and the.

base of said conical path outwardly beyond the end of the insnaltor,said switch member having a closed position substantially parallel thebase. means contacting with the. movable switch member in its closedposition for completing a circuit theretln'migh, and areing horn meansassociated with said n'iovable switch member and said last contactingmeans, and forming an outwardly increasing arcing path for dissipatingarcs outwardly from said base.

8. In a switch, a movable switch member having a generally horizontalclosed position, means for swinging said switch member in a conical pathlaterally and upwardly to open position and means contacting with themovable switch member in its generally horizontal closed positionforcompleting a circuit therethrough.

9. In a switch, a movable switch member having a generally horizontalclosed position, means for swinging said switchmembcr in a conical pathlaterally and upwardly to open position, means contactingwith themovable switch member in its generally horizontal closed position forcompleting a circuit therethrough, and arcing horn means associated withsaid movable switch member and said last contacting means and forming anoutwardly increasing arcing path for dissipating arcs outwardly fromsaid base.

10. In a. switch, a movable switch member having av generally horizontalclosed position, means for swinging said switch member in a conical pathlaterally and upwardly to open position, means contacting with the.movable switch member in its generally horizontal closed position forcompleting a circuit therethrough, a first supporting insulator for saidlast contacting means and a second insulator inclined at its outer endtoward said first insulator, and supporting said movable switch member.

In witness whereof, we hereunto subscribe our names this 23rd day oiSeptember, 1926.

WELDON O. HAMPTON. ERMINE .T. THOMPSON.

